“U.S., Iran use Swiss as go-between to negotiate release of Americans held in Iran,” Dan De Luce, NBC News, February 13, 2020.

“Iran says it will strike U.S. and Israel if they make the ‘slightest error’,” Reuters, February 13, 2020.

The Guardian Council, which approves or disapproves candidates, blocked more than 7,000 applicant/candidates from out of over 14,000 who applied in December.  “Iran candidates start campaigns for parliamentary elections,” Nasser Karimi, February 13, 2020.

“Iran starts election campaign with thousands barred from standing,” Parisa Hafezi, Reuters, February 13, 2020.

“Drivers’ Rush To Be First Using New Iran Freeway Causes Heavy Traffic,” Radio Farda, Radio Farda, February 13, 2020.

We go sideways for a moment to take a look at Chinese missiles, but which tells us some about the increasing accuracy of Iranian missiles.  “What Iran’s Attacks on American Bases Tell Us About China’s Missile Program,” Christopher Colley, The Diplomat, February 13, 2020.

The Center for Human Rights in Iran reports that IRGC intelligence agents are contacting Iranian journalists, raiding their homes, and taking their equipment to silence criticism of government policies ahead of the parliamentary elections.  See “Watchdog says Iran ‘Muzzling’ Journalists Ahead Of Parliamentary Elections,” RFE/RL, February 12, 2020.

“VIDEO: USS Normandy Seizes Cache Of Iranian-Made Weapons in Arabian Sea,” Ben Werner, USNI News, February 13, 2020.